Tesco axes ‘offensive’ gay best friend toy and apologises

Tesco today withdrew an inflatable “gay best friend” figure from sale and apologised for the “offensive” doll.

The figure, labelled “The Inflatable g*y Best Friend”, was pitched on the retail giant’s website as being suitable for children aged three to four, and referred to as an “amusing gift”. Tesco said the product, pictured, also stocked by Amazon, should have been removed from its site two months ago.

Ben Summerskill, head of gay rights charity Stonewall, said stocking the inflatable item was “like trying to sell ice to Eskimos”. He said: “We can’t imagine why any woman would choose to buy an inflatable gay best friend when there are two million of the real thing already available in modern Britain.”

A Tesco spokesman apologised, adding: “This product was uploaded to the website by a third party seller but was removed from sale immediately because we found it offensive."

The description of the product, which had censored the word gay from its product title, said: "If SEX in the City and Will & Grace taught us anything, it's that g*y best friends are in this season.

"We've had the manbag, we've had leg warmers and iPhone fever, now it's time for the new craze.

"Although not much can be said for his own attire, your Inflatable g*y Best Friend is ready to give you fashion advice, tell you if your bum looks big and b**ch about everyone who doesn't wear Jimmy Choo's."

The inflatable was described as having a "Gary Lineker-esque face" and advertised as an "ideal gift" for hen nights, Christmas and birthdays.

A similar product called "Instant Inflatable Gay Best Friend" could also be found on the website of online retalier Amazon.